Friday, April 8, 2011

Hasta luego, Guatemala

We're on our way home after our amazing two month adventure. Before signing off and getting back to our old life, I need to acknowledge an amazing discovery we have made - the Guatemalan people.

Life has not been easy for Guatemalans. Surviving a 36 year civil war, they are now mired in a cycle of corruption, crime and extreme poverty.

And yet, they are some of the kindest, gentlest, most considerate people we have ever lived among. They are always quick with a smile, speaking slow and patient Spanish for our halting attempts at communication.

One of my cherished experiences - I was walking alone through Antigua and passed an old man who was obviously down on his luck - unkempt, unshaven. I decided to be Guatemala-friendly and chirped "buenos dias" even though it was the middle of the afternoon (requiring a buenos tardes). He smiled and said "buenos tardes" back to me and I stopped and acknowledged my mistake, saying "buenos tardes." With this he launched into a long speech (in Spanish) on when you use "buenos dias", when "buenos tardes" and when "buenos noches." I stood dutifully listening, even though I was well aware of my mistake. When I finally said I understood and turned to go, he put his hand on my arm and gently said "poco a poco." (Little by little!) What a kind gesture from a perfect stranger.

About Us

We're travelling to Antigua, Guatemala and, for two months, will be working with Common Hope, the child sponsorship organization that we support and admire. Of course, we'll also do some travelling on the weekends, take some Spanish courses and generally enjoy being expats again.